Scrumdown News: Fisheads On A Roll

Scrumdown News: Fisheads On A Roll

Scrumdown News: Fisheads On A Roll

Contributed by Keith Hermann

31 Mar 2001

Rockaway RFC - 11

Princeton RFC - 8

Despite their best efforts, the Fisheads had to wait until the 2nd half of the match versus Princeton RFC to prove that its strategy for this season will work. After a disappointing result versus Manhattan RFC the previous week, and an 8-nil deficit at the half for this match things had to change. From the whistle starting the second half it was clear things had.

The Fisheads started playing rugby that differed drastically from the season’s previous 120 minutes of playing time. The ball would be worked down the pitch in 10 to 15 meter phases and the local side showed amazing ability in recycling the ball for the next phase. Despite this game plan, happy-go-lucky John McCann managed a 40-meter run conceived by his patented, but still only good once a game, fake. But it was John "Oakie" O'Connor who was the first to reduce Princeton’s lead. Scoring a try by touching down Cork-native Donnacadh O'Sullivan's pass in the opposition’s in-goal, Oakie kicked off the Fisheads present momentum. Though the game produced no further tries, Australian Jarrod Gould would score 6 more points on two penalties.

Notable games were played by Prop "Stony Brook" Chris, 2nd Row’s Brian Nash and "Tippy" Tipaldo (also Tom Leonard who went in for Tippy @ the Half). Also, Hooker Mike "the Russian", and Moe from Brooklyn who played his first game ever, did well. He is so fast; I didn't even get his last name. For that matter, "Moe" is probably wrong as well.

The success of the Fishead A-side boiled over into the B-side as well. It was a very well played game featuring an 80-meter try by another fast-as-I-used-to-be new player, Pete Brady.

07 Apr 2001

Rockaway RFC - 32

Village Lions RFC - 8

The Rockaway A-side, having enjoyed winning last week, decided to do it again this week. The B-side, likewise, decided never to me outdone by the A-side.

The A game started with an early try by Scrum-half Mike Getler, who summarily removed himself from the game figuring he had exerted himself enough. That was fine with the Fisheads since by that time James "Kermit" Egan had shown up. The most notable performances of the afternoon belong to two new Aussies Jarrod and Jules (different Australian Jarrod from last week, but he did okay also) as well as to Rafter (kicking conversions and penalties like they were going out of style) , Mike Gerarty (try), Tim Kelly, Rick Majero, Nick Prucella, and Donnacadh O'Sullivan.

So its great the A-side won, but the real entertainment lied in the B-game. There was some confusion with referee Mike Getler, who at half time realized he wanted to play again. After holding his breath and stomping his feet, Center Keith Hermann agreed to come off and ref the remainder of the game. Five minutes later Mike scored a try that should have been Keith's. Along those lines (another try that should have been scored), Tyrone Sperling was given a sweetheart of a pass only to knock it on, while thinking of what silk suit and pinky ring to wear to the press conference. Under similar circumstances, but this time successful ones, Pete Brady scored another 80-meter try. Despite all of this, the performance of the day goes to the Man Of The Match, Dave Lonnagan. There is just too much to mention.

RUGGER PLUGGERS: Tom Leonard and Tyrone Sperling missed practice. It has been confirmed that Tyrone was getting a facial and body wax, while Tom was getting his hair colored (that parts TRUE!). Please remember our next home game. It is a very important playoff match versus Union RFC. The game is at 1pm, 21 April 2001. Home support would be invaluable.